Schoolboy said intruder tried to force him to swallow pill

POLICE are investigating after a schoolboy told teachers an intruder forced a pill into his mouth.

The 13-year-old was on the sports oval at Fairhills High School in Ferntree Gully last Tuesday morning when he says a man dressed in a black hoodie grabbed him by the arms from behind and told him to swallow the pill.

The boy told staff the man threatened to bash him, or have him bashed by fellow pupils, if he refused to comply.

The year 7 student said after the man let go and left, he spat out the green and white pill and raised the alarm. A search could not find the pill.

Teachers reported the incident to police.

The boy’s father, who asked not to be named, said: “He was obviously pretty shaken up by it.

“He had to see a doctor because of the shock. It’s a serious matter and I think other parents need to know about it.”

Police spokesman Belinda Batty said officers were investigating.

“The man is described as being around 6 foot 2 inches (188cm), wearing a dark coloured hoodie with the hood over his head, and smelt of cigarettes,” Ms Batty said.

Principal Harvey Wood said details were unclear, and urged parents not to be alarmed.

“We have followed all standard procedures and reported it to police and the Department of Education.”